How Florence + The Machine’s Florence Welch Stays Healthy On Tour

Florence Welch, of England's Florence + The Machine, is admirable not just because of her otherworldly voice, but also her fierce sense of confidence. We caught up with the singer before her headlining performance at Bonnaroo.

It may seem like the fiery redhead came out of nowhere this year with her hit “Dog Days Are Over” (Glee has a way of turning an up-and-coming artist into a chart-topper), but the single was actually released back in 2008 before being included in her debut album, 2009’s Lungs. Since re-releasing the song in April 2010, Welch has been nominated for a Best New Artist Grammy, performed at the MTV Video Music Awards and contributed a song the the Twilight soundtrack.

Now recording her second album, Welch will most likely debut new material during her first appearance at Bonnaroo tonight. Despite her mainstream appeal, the singer has steadfastly marched to the beat of her own drum and whether appearing at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert or the Oscars, Welch just oozes cool, outfitted in ethereal gowns and frequently ditching her shoes. We talked to the star about her inspiration, her diet and her workout routine – plus, find out how you can follow her lead.

“Lady Gaga inspires me. I listened to her album every single night before I went onstage on my tour, just dancing around my dressing room.”

Don’t simply wait for ideas to come along–encourage them. To beckon breakthroughs, use these tips from researchers at Drexel University in Philadelphia: 1. Tune in to your feelings; tune out your surroundings. 2. Dismiss stray thoughts (What’s for lunch?). 3. If you’re stuck, switch topics to trigger a eureka moment.

“We have a pretty set menu on the road – hotel breakfasts, tuna salads, tomato soups, nuts and PopChips throughout the day.”

Welch eats for energy, and so should you! Almonds are loaded with protein and fiber, so all you need is a small handful of these seeds to feel full for hours. Tuna is a low-fat source of high protein, but stick to light tuna in water since it contains one-third less mercury. Seven pieces of Pirate’s Booty clocks in at just 10 calories, so feel free to munch on. If you’re like most Americans, an astonishing 26 percent of your calories are sneaking into your body at times other than breakfast, lunch and dinner, government data shows. But it’s not all bad news for nibblers: Savvy snacking can actually help you lose weight by staving off hunger and overeating.

“I’m always on tour! My gigs are my workout.”

You may not be rockin’ a mic, but there’s no reason why you can’t tone while you’re standing around at a concert. “When we stand, we tend to favor one side, which can harm our back,” says Tandy Gutierrez, regional pilates manager for Equinox Fitness Clubs in Southern California. Instead, keep your feet under your hips and your weight equally distributed. Without moving, pretend to rip the floor apart with your soles, tightening your quads, glutes and hamstrings. Hold for two seconds. Do 12 reps. The perk: Sculpt your thighs and ensure your spine feels fine.

“Summer weather elevates everyone’s mood, so audiences are ready to give it 100 percent, especially at festivals. Some of my best moments have been floating around a festival stage barefoot.”

Welch has clearly tapped into her happy life formula. Here’s how you can find yours: Spend just one or two hours a day on more superficial activities (think: guilty pleasures!), whether browsing tabloids, dieting simply to fit into size 4 jeans or chasing a promotion solely for the money though you don’t need it.

Spend four or five hours a day doing things that are both key to your day-to-day existence and bring you some satisfaction, such as necessary work–we all have bills!–or exercising to improve your looks or health.

Spend six or seven hours a day focusing on your inner self–fostering personal growth, connecting with other people or helping the world be a better place. Engage in meaningful activities at work, including anything that is absorbing and gives you a sense of accomplishment. Spend satisfying time with friends, family or coworkers. Take up creative pursuits or activities you find mentally and emotionally fulfilling, such as writing, painting, knitting, playing music, meditating, keeping a journal, hiking, gardening or cooking.